Seats Available for the Southern herd Round-up. 6AM Saturday, July 26. See the Saltwater Cowboys round up the Southern herd for Pony Penning

Barnacle Bill's

Wild Pony

Boat Tours

TRUSTED BY FAMILIES FOR GENERATIONS

Chincoteague Boat Tours

Item: Wild Pony Boat Tours
Rating: 5
Author: Ethan Paquette

BEST NARRATED PONY BOAT TOUR IN CHINCOTEAGUE

Set sail on a relaxed, story-rich, narrated Chincoteague Boat Tour through the southern waters of Chincoteague and Assateague Islands. Our route stays close to the heart of the island—where history, wildlife, and scenery come to life. With expert narration and a family-friendly pace, we focus on the southern pony grounds where sightings are common (but always wild!). Whether you spot ponies up close or from afar, you’ll leave with unforgettable views, entertaining stories.

We offer two unforgettable experiences:

A Chincoteague Pony Tour filled with local stories, wildlife and wild pony sightings, along with fascinating island history as told by your captain.
A relaxing Chincoteague Sunset Boat Tour, perfect for winding down as the sky glows over the marsh and bay along with the fascinating local stories told by the captain and crew.

Whether you’re here for the wild ponies, peaceful scenery, or just a great time on the water, our tours are fun, entertaining and designed to leave you with lasting memories.

Discover "THE ORIGINAL", Exclusive Chincoteague

Picture book

Exclusive to Barnacle Bill’s: A Visual Guide to the Stories We Tell

At the end of your Wild Pony Boat Tour, we hand out our Picture Book—a rich visual companion designed to enhance the stories you’ve just heard. This book (only available on Barnacle Bill’s tours) is filled with hundreds of historic and modern photographs that line up with the narration from your captain and mate, helping bring Chincoteague’s past and present into sharper focus.

It’s packed with fascinating facts, local history, and hard-to-find information that ties directly to the moments you just experienced on the water.

Saltwater Stories & Scenic Pony Cruise

FULLY NARRATED, STORY-RICH BOAT TOUR

Enjoy a narrated scenic and nature cruise around Chincoteague and Assateague Islands

See wild ponies, dolphins, bald eagles, and other local wildlife as you explore the scenic and peaceful waterways with an expert, knowledgeable captain that will share tons of stories about the area and the ponies.

Sunset Island Stories & Pony Cruise

FULLY NARRATED, STORY-RICH BOAT TOUR

Unwind on a peaceful sunset cruise around Chincoteague and Assateague Islands

Relax as the sky glows over the water and enjoy the chance to see wild ponies, dolphins, bald eagles, and other local wildlife — all while soaking in the beauty of golden hour on the bay.

The Lucky Lady

Our Boat - Lucky Lady

Comfortable, shaded, and designed for sightseeing. Whether you’re chasing sunsets or spotting wild ponies, this boat delivers a smooth and unforgettable ride.

Comfortable, shaded, and designed for sightseeing, The Lucky Lady is the perfect vessel for exploring the scenic waters of Chincoteague and Assateague. Whether you’re chasing sunsets or spotting wild ponies, this boat delivers a smooth and unforgettable ride every time.

Pony Blog

Chincoteague Uncovered: Hidden Adventures & Local Favorites

Planning a trip to Chincoteague? 🐴🌊 Don’t just stop at the ponies—this guide uncovers the island’s lesser-known adventures, local traditions, and off-the-radar experiences. From narrated boat tours and rocket launches to historic landmarks and fresh seafood, here’s how to explore Chincoteague like a local.

Riptide the wild Chincoteague pony running through shallow water on Assateague Island

Riptide: The Bold & Beloved Stallion of Chincoteague Island

If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing a wild pony on the shores of Assateague Island, there's one name that stands out above the rest—Riptide. With his striking coat, piercing blue eyes, and commanding presence, Riptide isn’t just any wild pony—he’s a living legend. As one of the most recognizable and beloved stallions in the southern herd, Riptide has captured the hearts of photographers, pony fans, and Chincoteague visitors from around the world. In this article, we dive into Riptide’s story, his connection to Misty of Chincoteague, and where you might catch a glimpse of him on your next Wild Pony ...

A great egret wading through shallow water on Assateague Island, spotted on a wild pony boat tour

Wildlife you may see on a Chincoteague Boat Tour

Chincoteague Island is home to one of the most diverse and exciting coastal ecosystems on the East Coast. From wild ponies grazing in the marsh to dolphins playing in the channel, every boat tour offers a chance to encounter something unforgettable. Here’s a closer look at the incredible wildlife you can see on a Chincoteague boat tour.